Beauty lab
Each month, our team tests the newest products to see what reigns supreme. Here, acting beauty editor Hanna Ibraheem trials innovative hair glazes to see which ones deliver a mirror-like shiny finish
1. AMIKA FLASH INSTANT SHINE MASK, £24
If you’re more of a quick wash-and-go type of person, this is the hair gloss for you. Squeeze out any excess water, saturate your hair with the formula from mid-lengths to ends, then wait for just 60 seconds and rinse. It contains amino acids and antioxidants to smooth hair cuticles, while also protecting against environmental damage. Plus, it doesn’t weigh down finer hair types.
2. DPHUE GLOSS+, £32
Fun fact: this brand’s co-founder Justin Anderson has worked on the hair of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Jennifer Aniston, Margot Robbie, Miley Cyrus and Gwyneth Paltrow. Yep, big. Having avoided toner for weeks, I was surprised by just how much this formula revived the vibrancy of my balayage. It’s available in 11 shades and (impressively) lasts for up to 10 shampoos.
3. GLAZE SHEER GLOW TRANSPARENT CLEAR CONDITIONING GLOSS, £15.99
A combination of intensive conditioners, lightweight babassu oil and glossing treatments means you get an almost salonlike finish with this bottle. Conveniently, you can use it on both wet and dry hair, then leave it on for a 10-minute TikTok scroll before rinsing. Once blow-dried, I noticed my split ends were concealed and lay flat.
4. JOSH WOOD SHADE SHOT GLOSS SEMI-PERMANENT TREATMENT GLOSS, £19
Okay, it’s not new, but this formula is considered the OG of treatment glosses and it’d be a crime not to include it. Available in 11 shades, this formula had the biggest impact on colour out of the lot (in fact, maybe opt for gloves to avoid skin staining) and contains shea butter for nourished locks. It lasts up to six washes, but it’s worth noting that long hair requires half a tube, so you’ll go through it pretty quickly.
5. IGK HAIR EXPENSIVE AMLA OIL HI-SHINE TOPCOAT, £25
Described as ‘resembling a top coat for nails’, this tube is the quickest way for you to ac
